Consumer demand for convenience packaging and product freshness are driving the design and manufacture of bagging and closing equipment in the snack food and wholesale bakery market. The latest machines feature higher production speeds, smaller footprints, sanitary designs and smart technology.
The latest form/fill/seal (FFS) packaging systems are designed to accommodate a wide range of packaging options at high speeds while ensuring food safety via sanitary design. The systems combine flexibility and automation, as they often need to pack different products on the same line. In addition, new designs enable quick changeover.
When it comes to packaging materials, one of the biggest consumer demands cited by bakers and snack producers is the need for extended shelf life—packaging that makes food last longer on the store shelf and in the refrigerator.
EFI has released the EFI Packaging Suite 4.0, the company's latest ERP-based suite of software solutions providing packaging enterprises with end-to-end workflows that contribute to profitability by increasing efficiencies.
When it comes to baked goods and snacks, consumers increasingly look for products in resealable, standup pouches and flexible packaging. It boosts ease-of-use for consumers, and helps improve the ability to keep foods fresh. As a result, bakers and snack producers are helping retailers meet this demand by investing in equipment capable of making packaging with popular closures, such as press-to-close zippers and sliders.
Developments in form/fill/seal packaging systems help bakers and snack producers fulfill both consumers’ and their own changing packaging requirements.